Bike Down Pikes Peak: A Photo Essay

To celebrate Will’s birthday, we ventured down to Colorado Springs last weekend to enjoy an exhilarating ride down Pikes Peak, a 14,000 foot monster of a mountain and Colorado icon. It was a fabulous day, full of speed, concentration and adrenaline.

A leisurely ride up in the van with Bike Pikes Peak Tours granted us pain free access to 14, 110 ft. We awaited the cog to arrive as a huge cold front rolled in devouring us in a cloud.

We were able to catch a few pretty views before we were engulfed in clouds.

Taking in the scenery at about 13,500 feet. We had just enjoyed an amazing first section of steep downhill from Pikes Peak Summit.

An outstanding view from our first pit stop. Just about 800 feet below the summit we were greeted with an opening in the clouds. This big drop off is referred to on maps as the Bottomless Pit.

Another view from the Bottomless pit. It’s best to watch your footing around here.

Alternatively, you can choose to stand at the very edge holding a bike over your head. Will is getting pumped about the hills and hairpins we are about to encounter.

But first, we had to tackle our first uphill section. Pedaling up a tough hill at 13,500 gets the heart racing.

The picture does little justice to illustrate just how tough the hill was. Got oxygen?

Our next stop allowed us to have a little fun off the bikes. These boulders provided some fun scrambling.

Thomas hid in the rocks spying on the van and eager riders.

Another view from the near the rocks. Several social trails were strewn about the area.

After one more stop at a gift shop around treeline, we sped down to Crystal Reservoir. Our speeds were too high (try 45-50 mph at times) to take photos until we reached this beautiful piece of water. Pikes Peak can be seen in the background.

Only 5 miles left to go. Freedom at the lake.

Thomas coming off his adrenaline rush.

A friendly goat greeted us at the Crystal Reservoir gift shop.

The guys are a little wind blown from the epic speeds that were just reached. And…the wind was quite powerful.

The happy couple relaxes for a few minutes before we take on the big hill. It was tough, but maybe a little over-hyped by the guides.

The group prepares for our final climb and last few miles of the ride.

We finished off our day with delicious Greek food and shots of Ouzo with our riding group. We highly recommended this adventure for a good dose of adrenaline.